Page 105 of The Brigadier

“Why?” he asked in barely a whisper. The question was a valid one.

“Because I believe in second chances.” Maybe that was the truth after all.

The attack on both buildings was likely done with more forces than had been used in a long time if ever. And it certainly was not something that had the city was used to seeing any longer. This wasn’t necessarily about creating a bloodbath, although everyone involved in keeping the hostages would likely die. They were too close to the perpetrator. They would never talk.

There was always a chance but that would be like winning the lottery.

Vadim had arrived for the festivities. It had been decided Aleks should remain behind, not only to continue his unusual inquiries with his very special sources, but also in case things went south.

There was no way the bastards were expecting us. None. We had an SUV waiting for the family, another with decoy people inside in case the place was wired and we were followed. Every detail had been carefully coordinated by Vadim, the master of warfare. I realized as we converged on the two buildings that I wasn’t just doing it to win the war.

I was doing this because I wanted the opportunity to explore having a real family for a change.

Things were looking up in my world and no one was going to fuck it up.

No one.

How many times had I said or thought those two words? Too many.

We’d cased the buildings prior to coming close; the military equipment we owned included body heat sensors. There were at least a dozen or more soldiers inside both buildings. Weapons had a particular setting, allowing us to gather if anyone was carrying firearms. It seemed like I’d been right about Tanner’s abilities.

The only odd thing that had been detected was multiple bodies in a room. Four to be exact. From the size, it appeared a child was one of them. Two were lying down. The other two were standing but barely moving. It had to be the prisoners.

What was also interesting was the amount of activity in the second building. Soldiers were guarding something important.

“We go on three,” Vadim said. The commanders had old-fashioned walkie-talkies. Danny was one, and one of Vadim’s higher-ranking soldiers was in charge of taking the other building.

We were purposely freeing the hostages. After this, we’d have little time before the real shit hit the fan. But it would seem we were prepared.

“Three. Two. One.”

Men kicked in every exterior door found, crashing into the building with a full brigade. There was no hesitation on our part. We didn’t ask questions or try to negotiate.

We simply filled the space with the stench of gunfire.

And eventually, blood.

I gunned down two myself, one about to put a bullet in Vadim’s head.

It was all over in less than two minutes, a couple of moans and pinging noises coming from the building the only remaining noise. There was something surreal about the moment.

There was also something I hated.

“And?” I asked into the walkie-talkie. It took a few seconds for Danny to answer.

“Done. You won’t believe this shit,” Danny said, half laughing. That surprised me.

“What?”

“There are dozens of crates piled to the fucking ceiling in this place. Three are open.”

“Don’t fucking leave us in suspense,” Vadim snarled.

Danny sighed. “Think millions upon millions of dollars of heroin. Cocaine. Booze. Cigarettes and get this. Diamonds.”

Vadim and I stared at each other. The other location was a holding facility for the perpetrator after his crew had stolen illegal merchandise from other syndicates. Maybe cartels as well.

“What the fuck?” I huffed.